Dog and cat licenses may be purchased by taking the pet's current rabies vaccination records to the Animal Control Division office located at 1020 Railroad Ave, Ste. B.

Dog licenses may be purchased, without penalty, until end of business on February 14th each year. A $15.00 penalty will be assessed to each dog license sold on or after February 15th each year.

Cat licenses may be purchased, without penalty, until end of business on March 14th each year. A $15.00 penalty will be assessed to each cat license sold on or after March 15th each year.

Licenses purchased for new pets will be sold for 1/2 price when purchased on or after July 1st.

License tags purchased after December 1, 2014, are permanent tags. We will simply renew this tag each year, and not issue a new tag unless your original becomes lost or destroyed. There is a $5.00 fee for a replacement tag.

Fill out the pet license application. You can download the application by using the following link: Pet license application

Typically the second and fourth Monday's of the Month. Holiday's and scheduling conflict may cause meetings may be on different Monday's. Please check the schedule on the City Clerk's Website for the most recent update.

Zoning information is available online through the Pottawattamie County Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Department website listed below. Zoning information can be obtained by searching for a property by owner name, address and/or legal description and then selecting the "City Zoning Layer' from the list of available map layers. Additionally, you can contact the Community Development Department and provide the legal description and/or the common property address. Please note that the tax assessment classification information available online is not the same as a City zoning classification. Pottawattamie County GIS

The required setbacks for a specific piece of property is determined by the zoning classification of the property. Each zoning designation has a set of minimum setbacks requirements. Once you have determined your zoning classification (see FAQ Question #1) you may find the zoning regulations, including setback information, online through the Council Bluffs Municipal Code (see link below). Additionally, you can also verify if a variance for the minimum setback has been granted by viewing the 'Variance Layer' on the Pottawattamie County GIS. Please note that setbacks are measured from property lines, which are often not the street curb, sidewalk or edge of pavement. Council Bluffs Municipal Code

The only definitive way to determine where your property lines are located is to have your property surveyed. The City does not have a surveying department so you will need to contact a licensed surveyor.

Home occupations are allowed in all residential districts of the City, subject to certain conditions. Among other restrictions, no retail sales are allowed and the address of the home occupation cannot be advertised. The home occupation must be secondary to the primary residential use of the property and only the persons living in the home can work at the home occupation. Day care operations are not considered a home occupation. An accessory structure may not be used in conjunction with a home occupation. For a complete listing of home occupation conditions, refer to Chapter 15.24.30 of the Council Bluffs Municipal Code. Council Bluffs Municipal Code

Accessory structures must meet the minimum setback requirements for accessory structures according the zoning classification of the property (refer to FAQ Question #1 to determine a property zoning designation) In general, accessory structures cannot be located within the front yard setback of a property or between the principle structure and the front property line. In most instances, accessory structures can be placed as close as three feet to an interior side property line and rear property line. In cases of a corner lot, structures must be placed a minimum of 15 feet from the street side yard property line. Accessory structures cannot exceed 18 feet in height and must remain subordinante in overall size to a principle structure (e.g., residential dwelling).

The general rules for installing a fence in a residential district are as follows: 1) a fence can be placed on a property line but may not go over onto an adjoining property. 2) in a front yard and along any street, a fence cannot be taller than four feet in height, unless it complies with the appropriate zoning setback standards for the subject property (see FAQ Question #2 for determining zoning setbacks). 3) in a side yard or rear yard, a fence cannot exceed six feet in height. 4) the finished side of a privacy fence must face off-site toward all adjoining properties. 5) permits are not required for residential fences; however, you should contact the Community Development Department at (712) 328-4629 for additional information on allowable fence types in residential zoning districts. Last, always remember "Call Before You Dig" at 1-800-292-8989 or 811.

Zoning enforcement is handled through the Planning Division of the Community Development Department by a Zoning Code Enforcement Officer. Each zoning violation is reviewed on a case-by-case with enforcement action being determined by the severity of the violation. If you suspect a zoning violation has occurred, please contact the Community Development Department at (712)328-4629 and we will have a Zoning Code Enforcement Officer follow-up on the matter.

In most cases, restrictive covenants and/or private deed restrictions are enforced by a homeowners association, a property management company or by individual homeowners. The City of Council Bluffs does not enforce nor regulate such restrictions and/or agreements.

All rezoning requests are decided upon by the City Council after review and recommendation by the City Planning Commission. As part of the rezoning process, the City Council must consider several important factors when making their decision including, but not limited to, minimum lot size, surrounding land uses, consistency with the Council Bluffs Comprehensive Plan and the availability of utilities to service the subject property. For more information on rezoning a parcel of land, please contact the Council Bluffs Community Development Department at (712)328-4629.

A daycare service is considered any facility which receives for temporary care, six or more individuals during any part of a 24 hour day. Such facilities require a conditional use permit from the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) prior to operation. Daycare services which care for five or less individuals in a 24 hour day are not required to obtain a conditional use permit from the Council Bluffs ZBA. Individuals interested in operating a daycare should also check with the Iowa Department of Human Services to determine if any special license(s) are required. For more information on requesting a conditional use permit from the Council Bluffs ZBA and/or operating a day care service from your home, please contact the Community Development Department at (712) 328-4629 for more information. Iowa Department of Human Services

If it is determined that the portion of your property you want to sell to your neighbor is not considered to be of a buildable size and does not create any nonconforming building setbacks, it might be possible to do a Property Line Adjustment. A form would be required to be filled out and signed by both you and your neighbor and a filing fee is required. If the Community Development Director determines it necessary, a property survey would also be required. The Property Line Adjustment is reviewed and approved/denied by the Director and does not go before the Planning Commission or City Council. Contact the Community Development Department at (712) 328-4629 for more information. Property Line Adjustment Application

Yes. A permit is required to place a new sign or to modify or ‘re-face’ an existing sign. A sign permit application is available from the Building Division. Please note that a complete application must include all existing signage on a property and other items as required by Chapter 15.33 Signs of the Council Bluffs Municipal Code. The maximum amount and type of signage permitted on a property is determined by the zoning classification. Council Bluffs Municipal Code

Yes. If your property is a locally designed historic landmark or located within a locally designated historic district all exterior modifications including signage requires the review of the City Historic Preservation Commission. If your property is entered in the National Register of Historic Places (as a landmark or as part of a district), but is not locally designated review of the City Historic Preservation Commission is not required. If you are unsure about the designation of a property you may view the historic preservation layer on the website referred to FAQ Question #1, or contact the Community Development Department at (712) 328-4629 for more information. Please note that in addition to Commission review all other permitting requirements are in effect. Historic Preservation Ordinance

Property owners located adjacent to an unimproved alley right-of-way can request that it be vacated and conveyed to the adjoining property owner(s). In most situations, vacated property is divided evenly between property owners, (i.e. a 12-foot wide alley located between two lots would be divided 6 feet to each of the property owners). Once a request and filing fee are received it is sent to all City departments and public utilities to determine the existence of any utilities within the alley. Notices are also sent to all property owners adjoining the alley in order to determine if anyone objects to vacating the alley and to make sure all owners are willing to accept their portion of alley. If, after public hearing by the City Planning Commission and the City Council, it is determined that the alley can be vacated, it may be conveyed to the abutting owners at no additional cost. Contact the Community Development Department at (712) 328-4629 for more information. Alley/Street/Right-of-Way Vacation Application

Parking of one recreational vehicle (e.g., camper or boat) may be allowed outside within the required front yard setback (which in most cases is 25 feet from the front property line) on a hard surface driveway or on a hard surface pad contiguous with the driveway, provided: 1. Space is not available in the side yard, behind the required front yard or there is no reasonable access to either the side yard or rear yard; 2. Parking in an enclosed structure is not possible; 3. The vehicle is parked perpendicular to the curb; and 4. The vehicle may not extend over the public sidewalk or public right-of-way.

For more information, please contact the Council Bluffs Community Development Department at 712.328.4629 or reference Chapter 15.23.030(04) Recreational Vehicle Parking of the Council Bluffs Municipal Code. Council Bluffs Municipal Code

In order to purchase a piece of City owned property, you need to complete a “Purchase Surplus City Property Application” and return it to the Community Development Department. This application can obtained by clicking on the following link: Purchase Surplus City Property

The primary incentive of the urban renewal law is the use of tax increment financing (TIF). TIF is a method by which the amount of increase in property tax revenues generated by a project can be used by the municipality to assist in the development of the project. TIF allows the city to acquire, prepare and assist in the development of project and/or sites that would not have been otherwise developed by the private sector. Using TIF districts “freezes” the base valuation of the designated area and captures the increment gained from the new development. This new increment is what is used to help finance the project. Each individual project is examined by staff in order to determine whether or not a project will be eligible for TIF assistance. Please contact the Community Development Department at (712) 328-4629 to initiate this process.

The City has an Emergency Repair Program intended to provide immediate repair and correction of hazardous housing conditions, which represent a threat to the health, safety, and well being of the occupant or occupants. An emergency shall mean a sudden occurrence of plumbing problems, electrical problems, furnace/heating systems, utility services, severe structural damage that is a sudden occurrence, or sudden roof failure and is a critical danger to the life or safety of the occupant, which requires immediate action to protect the health, safety, and welfare of said occupant or occupants. Repairs to homes using emergency repair funds will be limited to major code violations. Funding will be limited to 90% of the cost of correcting the emergency repair and shall not exceed $2,500. Please contact the Community Development Department to determine eligibility. Emergency Repair Program Information

The City of Council Bluffs offers down payment assistance through the NeighborWorks Home Solutions. NeighborWorks Home Solutions administers the Infill Program which provides down payment assistance to low to moderate income homebuyers. For additional information please contact NeighborWorks Home Solutions at (402) 451.2939 or visit their website at http://www.neighborworkshomesolutions.org

The primary objective of the City’s Community Development Program is the development of viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment and expanding economic opportunities, principally for persons of low and moderate income. Typical CDBG & HOME funded projects include the following types of activities:

• Housing Development – The conservation and redevelopment of established neighborhoods and the preservation and expansion of their housing stock.• Economic Development – The revitalization of commercial properties and job creating projects that benefit low and moderate income people.• Public Services and Facilities – The development of physical and human service projects that benefit low and moderate income people by non-profit organizations.

Contact Iowa Legal Aid of Council Bluffs and Southwest Iowa at (712) 328-3982 for assistance. If you feel that you have been discriminated against in the sale or rental of property please contact the Fair Housing Center of Nebraska and Western Iowa at (402) 934-6675 or toll-free at (800) 639-5853 (800-NOW-FAIR). Nebraska Relay, contact (800) 833-0920 (voice) or (800) 833-7352 (TTY).

The League of Human Dignity offers a Barrier Removal Program. This program provides grants to low income persons with disabilities to assist them in modifying their residential units for accessibility. The program encourages persons to remain in their existing living environment and creates additional accessible housing in the community. The program is available for rental units and owner-occupied housing. For more information, call the League to Human Dignity at (712) 323-6863 or vist the following website. League of Human Dignity

Any composition or device for the purpose of producing a visible or audible effect bycombustion, deflagration, or detonation, and that meets the definition of ConsumerFireworks or Display Fireworks as set forth in NFPA 1123.

Except as hereinafter provided, it shall be unlawful for any person to possess, store, tooffer for sale, sell at retail or use to explode any fireworks, provided that the Chief shallhave power to adopt reasonable rules and regulations for the granting of permits forsupervised public displays of fireworks by a jurisdiction, fair associations, amusementparks, other organizations or for the use by artisans in pursuit of their trade. Every suchuse or display shall be handled by a competent operator approved by the Chief and shallbe of such character and so located, discharged or fired so as, in the opinion of the Chiefafter prompt investigation, not be hazardous to property or endanger any person.

Pyrotechnic displays in Council Bluffs must adhere to rules and regulations established bythe Council Bluffs Fire Code (CBFC), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Bureauof Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), and all other federal, state, and local lawspertaining to the discharge of pyrotechnics. The only fireworks that are legal to use inCouncil Bluffs without obtaining a permit are sparklers, caps, and snakes.

Pyrotechnics are found at both indoor and outdoor events. Indoor events would includestage plays and productions, as well as music concerts. Outdoor events include festivals,Fourth of July activities and other public events.

All applicants must submit a Permit Application for Pyrotechnic Display of Fireworks to theCouncil Bluffs Fire Department. Also, a special events application must be obtained from the CityClerk's office.

An original certificate of insurance shall be submitted to the Council Bluffs Fire Department.Please submit an insurance certificate a minimum of thirty days prior to the date of the event forapproval by the City Attorney.

Once the appropriate applications are made, there will be a review of the application by amember of the Council Bluffs Fire Marshal's Office.

The Fire Marshal's Office shall conduct a walk-through inspection and upon request, there shallbe a representative demonstration of the pyrotechnics display.

A site inspection shall be made of the shooting area to include safe zone and fallout perimeter. Ifthe shoot site or the pyrotechnic display is deemed unsafe, the display can be postponed orcancelled per the authority having the jurisdiction.

A fee of $150 made payable to the Council Bluffs Fire Department. Applicants shall comply withall storage and transportation of pyrotechnic materials as per federal and state codes.

All indoors pyrotechnic displays shall require a minimum of (1) one stand by fire personnel onscene. Additional personnel and/or equipment may be required as per the authority havingjurisdiction. Standby personnel to be of the expense of the entity putting on display.

All outdoor pyrotechnic events shall be reviewed by the Fire Marshal's Office. A minimum of (2)two standby fire personnel and equipment will be required for events on all City-owned property.Events on privately-owned property may require the presence of standby fire watch firepersonnel as determined by the Fire Chief or his designee. All standby firewatch personnel will beprovided by the Council Bluffs Fire Department at the expense of the event sponsor or shooter.

The only legal fireworks are sparklers, caps, and snakes. Snaps, Poppers, Party Favorsand other novelties are in violation of the law. All other fireworks require a permit thatmust be applied for through the Council Bluffs Fire Department Fire Marshals Office.

The Council Bluffs Fire Department is proud to be of service to the citizens of Council Bluffs and to the many people who visit our community. In order to maintain the quality of our services and to continue seeking better ways to serve you, we welcome your comments, suggestions and questions. You can call us at

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Go To SearchAlert IowaChief's MessageCustomer FeedbackDirectoryEMS (Ambulance)Fire/EMS ReportsFire Station ToursFire Suppression DivisionHazardous Materials ResponseISO RatingPrevention DivisionSafety Tips & First AidSevere Weather Warning SirensSmoke DetectorsTraining DivisionYou are here: Home > Departments > Fire Department > Customer FeedbackCustomer FeedbackThe Council Bluffs Fire Department is proud to be of service to the citizens of Council Bluffs and to the many people who visit our community. In order to maintain the quality of our services and to continue seeking better ways to serve you, we welcome your comments, suggestions and questions. You can contact the Fire Department at (712) 328-4646.

Each incident that the Council Bluffs Fire Department responds to is documented in a “Fire Report”. To request a basic Fire Report, click the link below, complete the information and mail, fax or bring the request to:

Each incident that the Council Bluffs Fire Department responds to is documented in a “Patient Report”. To request a basic Patient Report, click the "Report Request Form" link below, complete the information and mail, fax, e-mail or bring the request to:

Your request should be completed and available within ten work days and we will call to let you know it is available. A fee based on the number of pages and time spent will be due when you pick up the report. Fees for reports are established in the City Municipal Code.

Current fees are: 1st page $ 10.00 Each additional page: $ 0.50

Note that there are additional fees for photos, cd’s and other media material if requested.

*A charge based on the hourly rate of the person performing the task will be made if the time spent retrieving files, supervising the examination of records, and/or copying of records exceeds fifteen minutes.

Intermedix currently handles all our direct patient and third-party billing. For questions regarding your bill or insurance status, please call the toll-free customer service line at 888-246-0610 from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Messages can be left 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.

If you prefer, you can access your account and update your insurance information online. You will need your account number and zip code readily available. Intermedix's Secure Website

Click on the provided hydrant party schedule to see a list of hydrant parties and locations. Hydrant parties are scheduled throughout the City in conjunction with the Parks & Recreation Department, the Council Bluffs Water Works and Centris Federal Credit Union.

An outdoor fire burning materials other than rubbish where the fuel being burned is not contained in an incinerator, outdoor fireplace, portable outdoor fireplace, barbeque grill or barbeque pit and has a total fuel area of 3 feet (914 mm) or less in diameter and 2 feet (610 mm) or less in height for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes.

A “portable”, outdoor, solid-fuel-burning fireplace that may be constructed of steel, concrete, clay or other noncombustible material. A portable outdoor fireplace may be open in design, or may be equipped with a small hearth opening and a short chimney or chimney opening in the top.

The Council Bluffs Parks and Recreation Department offers many youth sports and has downloadable registration forms on each sports webpage. Forms can be mailed in or dropped off at the Park and Rec office along with the registration fee. There are other organizations that offer youth sports and activities and you can find their contact information and website links on our Youth Activities page also. Youth Activities

We rent out several ballfields and soccer fields for practices and games for Council Bluffs Parks & Recreation teams. Coaches can rent up to 2, 2-hr practice fields at a time for $4/each. You must pay for them at the Park & Rec office at the time of reservation and pick up your permit. If a field is not rented then they are available first-come, first-serve. Field Permit Rentals

The CB Rec Complex is not available for practices, only league games and tournaments. Visit the CB Rec Complex page to find out more about the complex and download the rental agreement. CB Rec Complex Rental Information

Bayliss Park can be rented for weddings, special events, family reunions, and other events. Visit the Bayliss Park page for information on the park and to download the rental agreement. Bayliss Park Information

All the shelters in the Council Bluffs parks system are first-come, first-serve. We do not take reservations. The shelter at Lake Manawa are reservable and can be done by contacting the Iowa DNR at 712-366-0220.

Copies of the initial accident report may be obtained at Police Records between 7:00 am and 6:00 pm on the following business day. There is a $10.00 fee for copies of reports. For your convenience you can now order your accident reports online. In order to obtain copies of supplemental reports, photographs, or other accident related documentation, a release must be obtained from the City Attorney’s Office. Additional fees will be charged for these reports.

The Council Bluffs Police Department uses Arrow Towing as its contract tow service. All police impounds can be picked up from Arrow Towing, 505 S. 15th Street, Council Bluffs, IA. Please call first to make sure there is not a Hold on the vehicle and it can be released, 712-323-7907.

Contact the City Treasurer's Office at (712) 890-5316 Monday through Friday between 8:00 am & 5:00 pm to sign up for garbage, recycling and yard waste collection services and to verify your collection day.

Carts can be purchased in a number of ways: Sign up at the Treasurer's Office and pay $70.00. Deliveries are made on the following Friday. Send a note with your name, address and telephone number explaining that you would like a Poly-cart delivered and a $70.00 check made out to the Treasurer’s Office. The check should be sent to 209 Pearl Street, and the Poly-cart will be delivered the following Friday after payment is received. Ask about Poly-carts at the Recycling Center; pay $60.00, and take one home with you. The Recycling Center is located at: 4441 Gifford Road Council Bluffs, IA 51501 (712) 890-5454

You probably need a bulky waste or appliance curbside pick-up. Call Waste Connections at (712) 256-2288. Or if you want to bring it to the recycling center, call (712) 890-5454 to find out more information.

Sanitation billing occurs on a quarterly basis. Bills are distributed every 3 months and are due February 15th, May 15th, August 15th and November 15th of each year.

If the due date occurs on a weekend or holiday, the bill is due and must be received the following business day by mail, in person or online by 5:00 p.m. A $20 late fee shall be assessed for any bill paid after these dates.In addition, unpaid fees that are 60 days late are considered delinquent. All delinquent accounts shall be liened to the property unless the delinquent account is the responsibility of the tenant. The tenant is then subject to a municipal citation and fines up to $830. Pay your sanitation bill online here.

Partial payments are accepted on the website only. If the deadline for payment is not met, a late fee will be added. Extensions for extenuating circumstances may be made through the Council Bluffs Legal Department.

Stop on Red uses digital cameras installed at a number of intersections around the city of Council Bluffs. When a vehicle runs a red light at a monitored intersection, sensors installed in the roadway activate a battery of cameras. The cameras take three digital photos and twelve seconds of digital video footage. These pictures document the violation. The system is only triggered by red-light runners. Vehicles running red lights trigger the system and cameras record the actual offenses.

Within 18 days, a ticket will be mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle. It will contain three full color digital images taken of the violation, each imprinted with the date, time and location. A Web address will also be published (on page 4 of the ticket) where still pictures and a short video of the actual driving violation can be viewed on the Internet. The video is available for 60 days from the date of violation at www.photonotice.com Enter City Code: CBLF

Tickets can be re-printed at Police Records during normal business hours or by calling the Council Bluffs Legal Department. In order to re-print a citation, the name of the person who received the citation, the vehicle license plate, and approximate date of occurrence are required.

Late payments will result in an additional $35.00 fee being added to the ticket. Failure to pay will result in a collection process being initiated. Warrants are not issued for tickets under this program.

If the violating vehicle was sold or stolen, the owner can use their sold or stolen vehicle report (page 2) to indicate that he or she was not driving it at the time of the violation. However, the registered owner is responsible for the ticket if they simply let someone else use their vehicle and a violation occurs.

A vehicle is considered to be running a red light when it crosses into the intersection after the light has turned red. Vehicles are allowed to turn right on red after making a complete stop. Vehicles that are within the intersection when the light turns red, including ones waiting for a break in traffic in order to complete a left turn, are not considered to be red light runners. Persons caught in the middle of the intersection should wait until it is safe to complete the turn.

The registered owner of the vehicle receives the ticket. This is the same as the fine set by the State of Iowa for a citation issued by an officer for running a red light. The Council Bluffs Municipal Code governing the Stop on Red program is 9.16.055. This code can be viewed at the public library or online. Tickets issued under this program are civil infractions and do not count against anyone’s driving record. This information is not released to insurance companies.

The Council Bluffs Police have the sole and ultimate responsibly to decide if a citation is issued. The technology and equipment behind Stop on Red is provided and maintained by Redflex Traffic Systems.